Ellen Marcus is running against one challenger for her second term on the Lynbrook Board of Education. She is being opposed by newcomer Christine Basile.
Marcus said she believes she owes it to herself and the Lynbrook community to run for another term on the school board, as trustees have made great strides in recent years to maintain the quality of education during rocky financial times.
"I am proud of being able to work with the other board members on many important issues that we are encountering in this difficult economic climate," said Marcus, who currently serves as the board's secretary. "We have prepared budgets that are fiscally responsible while maintaining the high educational standards of our district."
Looking ahead, Marcus said the district will face tough choices, with the possibility of a property tax cap going into effect and state aid being further reduced. The board will also be looking into potential redistricting of school zones and overseeing the completion and implementation of a five-year strategic plan.
Such challenges are best met by someone such as herself, Marcus said, who has valuable "on-the-job" experience. "I can see the big picture and understand the many facets that are involved in the running of a school district," she said. "I have the desire to continue to learn about the needs of our district and give my input as a board member when making important decisions for the community."
Speaking on the — which Marcus supported placing on the May 17 ballot — she said that it was not an easy decision, but that her vote gives the community the power to determine the project's fate.
"Ultimately, I felt it was the community's right to vote on this issue and that's why I voted 'yes' to put this proposition for the athletic complex on the ballot," Marcus said. "Now it's up to the community members to come out either for or against it, and let them be the ones to decide what they want within our school district."
Marcus, a 13-year resident of East Rockaway (located in the Lynbrook School District), is married and has three children. She currently works as an attorney and a hearing officer. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Vermont and a juries doctorate from the Hofstra University School of Law.
In the community, Marcus has served as the chairperson of the school board's Audit Committee, has six years on the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and has been active in several Lynbrook PTA groups and on several PTA committees.
The vote on school board candidates, the district budget, and two other propositions will take place on Tuesday, May 17 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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